The UN Palestine Relief Agency (UNRWA) wants to examine the possible involvement of several of its employees in the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel. “I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these employees and launch an investigation to immediately uncover the truth,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, according to a statement from the UN agency released today. These are “shocking allegations”.
Israel provided UNRWA with information about the alleged involvement of several officials. “Any UNRWA employee involved in terrorist attacks will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.”
Secretary General Guterres horrified
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was shocked by the news that several UNRWA officials could be involved in the terrorist attacks in Israel. He also threatened those affected with immediate dismissal and criminal consequences if the investigation revealed their involvement in the attacks.
“Anyone who betrays the core values of the United Nations also betrays those we serve in Gaza, across the region and elsewhere in the world,” Lazzarini said. More than two million people in the Gaza Strip have needed help since the start of the war. Lazzarini did not provide details on how the officials may have been involved in the terrorist attack on Israel or how many people were involved.
According to the UNRWA Commissioner General, the UN aid agency strongly condemns the “heinous October 7 attacks” and calls for the release of all hostages kidnapped from Israel.